It's Easy Being Green: One Student's Guide to Serving God and Saving the Planet

by Emma Sleeth

You've probably heard the story of the garden of Eden---the paradise that God created for humans to live in. There was plenty of room for everyone, there were trees and flowers and plenty of food. When you look out your window today you don't see the paradise God intended for us. This world is crowded, polluted, and headed for trouble. But it's not hopeless. Emma Sleeth is only sixteen, and she's working hard to save our planet. She believes that we're called by God to protect the resources that he gave us, and she wants to help you learn how to live a sustainable lifestyle. She's speaking out to her generation in the hopes that you will be the ones who can end global warming and restore our world to the paradise that God desires for us. In It's Easy Being Green you'll learn how to honor God in the choices you make and you'll begin to understand the impact those choices have on the environment. Emma will help you see how you can make a difference at school, around the house, and all over the world as you make choices about everything from transportation to food to clothes. Imagine the kind of paradise you can help to create for the next generation---for your future children! Join Emma on the quest to serve God by saving the planet.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2008

About the author

Emma Sleeth was fifteen years old when she wrote It's Easy Being Green. Now twenty-one, Emma writes and speaks about creation care around the country. She recently graduated from Asbury University and currently resides in Lexington, KY. A revised and expanded edition of her book was released in Spring 2012.

Reviews

[Mikejencostanzo]

A companion book to Serve God Save the Planet, this book was written by the author's daughter, Emma Sleeth. It has the same basic gist as Serve God, Save the Planet, but is written for a teen and college student audience.

As with Emma's dad's book, I didn't have time for a thorough read, and didn't take time to analyze the philosophy behind the "green agenda." (I definitely think there is a lot of good in encouragement to be responsible in how we use our resources... however, I don't agree with how everyone arrives at that agenda). So, while I can't really speak to Emma's philosophy, I did gather some good tips that I want to keep in mind & apply with some degree of faithfulness in the future:

-Unload the car of unnecessary baggage
-Carpool/bike
-Pack lightly when travelling
-Take the stairs
-Shop with reusable bags
-Pack snacks & lunches
-Keep plastic-ware in car
-Use a sugar-bowl rather than packets
-Don't pre-heat oven if not really needed
-Use flourescent bulbs
-Use hankies???
-Fan rather than AC (when realistic)
-Sweater rather than upping the heat
-Use scrap-paper
-Buy recycled paper

I definitely don't want to adopt a legalistic lifestyle when it comes to living "green." However, I did find Emma's ideas helpful reminders. All very common sense stuff, but easy to forget. It helps to be reminded once in awhile. Thanks Emma.

--Jen

[Gwen Jones]

Maybe its because the simple writing style or maybe its because I may not be the right age but I didnt like it. I cant get too mad because at the time she was a teen but she didnt cite anything, where do i go if I need to verify what you are saying. It was cute I guess and got me thinking, I will definely do more research and read more advadce books on the subject. I would recommend this book to 9-11year olds who are first getting introduced to environmental issues.

[Jennifer]

All of the info here I have read elsewhere.

[Stephanie Alger]

A little outdated and definitely geared towards a younger crowd (high school and college aged) but overall a good message.